Compounded semaglutide

Compounding is the process of creating a medication that’s tailored to the needs of an individual patient. For example, some patients may need a medication in liquid form when the FDA-approved drug comes in a pill. Additionally, a pharmacy can compound medications of FDA-approved drugs that are in shortage.

Compounded drugs are prepared by state-licensed compounding pharmacies that meet FDA and state requirements, including quality standards. When compounding in compliance with federal law, compounded drugs are not subject to FDA approval and do not have to undergo safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing review.

Ro is partnering with compounding pharmacies to offer a compounded formulation that uses semaglutide base, the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy. We are not offering semaglutide salts (which are not the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy).

This compounded GLP-1 has the same active pharmaceutical ingredient (semaglutide) as Ozempic and Wegovy, but cannot be considered identical to the branded medication. Zepbound has a different active pharmaceutical ingredient (tirzepatide) and so does Saxenda (liraglutide).

Ro works with state-licensed compounding pharmacies to produce compounded semaglutide. Compounding is regulated by both FDA and state boards of pharmacy. A licensed compounding pharmacy must comply with both federal and state laws, which include administrative requirements and quality standards.

Dosing starts low, then gradually increases over the first few months until a steady dose is reached. If prescribed, your Ro-affiliated provider will work with you to find the right schedule and dosing for you.

Compounded semaglutide offered by Ro comes in small glass vials that you must carefully prepare to self-administer the injectable medication.

To prepare each dose, clean the top of the vial with an alcohol wipe, and draw the appropriate amount of medication into the syringe. Like Wegovy and Ozempic, compounded semaglutide is injected weekly in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Potential risks of self-prepared dosing:

• Administering a higher dose than recommended can lead to unwanted effects such as severe nausea, severe vomiting, and severe hypoglycemia.

• Administering a lower dose than recommended can lead to inadequate treatment.

• Improper cleaning can lead to infection.

If you’re prescribed medication, you'll receive additional training to guide you on safely preparing your dose for self-administration to minimize these risks.

Compounded semaglutide prescribed by Ro-affiliated providers is not covered by insurance. We offer compounded semaglutide for $299/month. Monthly membership and one-time lab test not included.

Compounded semaglutide through Ro is available in 41 states. It’s not currently offered in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Compounded semaglutide costs $299/month—no insurance needed. Monthly membership and one-time lab test not included.

In general, there aren't foods you must avoid while taking compounded semaglutide. However, everybody reacts differently to medication, so it's important to listen to your body and change your diet if you're experiencing side effects.

It's a good rule of thumb to avoid foods that make you feel gassy or bloated, especially on the days when you increase your dose.

Semaglutide’s most common side effects often improve within the first few weeks of treatment. Some of the most common side effects include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Upset stomach

• Stomach pains

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Heartburn

• Acid reflux

• Belching and gas

• Dizziness

• Headaches

• Fatigue

More severe side effects are rarer but possible. Serious side effects include:

• Thyroid cancer—The FDA has issued its most serious warning (called a Boxed Warning) that GLP-1s may be associated with a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma. So far, this side effect has primarily been seen in laboratory studies using rodents, so the risk to humans has not been determined.

• Pancreatitis

• Gallbladder disease

• Rapid heartbeat

• Severe allergy (hypersensitivity)

• Low blood sugar

• Vision problems (diabetic retinopathy)

• Kidney disease

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

For complete safety information, including the boxed warning, please see full Important Safety Information.